When Miss becomes Sir
By BBC Online
Contributed by Monica
Knaresborough, UK
July 10, 1998
More than 1,000 parents have been told that a
teacher at the school their children attend is
having a sex change.
The headteacher of King James's School, in
Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, wrote to
parents informing them that a drama teacher is
planning to change from a Miss to a Mr during
the summer holidays.
Miss Lisa Garside, 36, will be known as Mr
Michael Garside when the new term starts in
September.
Miss Garside, who has taught at the co-
educational comprehensive since qualifying as a
teacher 14 years ago, praised pupils, staff and
parents for they way they have handled the
announcement.
The reaction from the school has been
supportive since the headteacher, David
Hudson, wrote to parents.
Miss Garside said: "You hear horror stories
about being discarded by everyone. I have had
nothing but support, pats on the back, and
parents who have phoned the school.
"I have had nothing but good reactions from the
pupils and all the classes I have had have been
superb. No comments, no nothing."
Miss Garside said she had considered changing
gender for a number of years and will embark
on a hormone replacement programme as soon
as possible, but operations are still a long way
off.
Parents should not worry about the effect of her
change in gender, she said.
"There is not an issue. I am still the same
teacher who has taught their pupils for 14 years.
"The style is not going to change and it has been
successful so far.
"There comes a point where one has to be strong
enough to make that decision.
"I am looking forward to being left alone, being
me, being one person rather than having to play
a role which is very tiring."
The school's deputy head teacher, Dr Carole
Walton, said the announcement had gone
smoothly.
"Parent reaction has been favourable, maybe
because it's not too much of an issue.
"We have not had too much contact but what we
have had is good.
"I suppose it was a surprise. It is not something
you expect but it wasn't an issue for us, but we
have dealt with it in a matter-of-fact way."
The letter from the headteacher said: "We cover
in full all aspects of equal opportunities, anti-
racism, prejudice and sexual discrimination.
The school will very shortly be called upon to
show that it practises what it preaches.
"It has been an excruciatingly difficult decision
for her and has required a great deal of courage.
"It will be difficult for all of us, but I have no
doubt that the moral and supportive atmosphere
at King James will see us through this
challenging transition."
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